Impressive 1st half sows the seeds for decisive win

Killavullen defeated Ballinacurra earlier tonight in the latest game of the U16 Football league, played in Killavullen on a final score of 5-13 to 0-12, which was harsh on our opponents.

Killavullen played with the considerable assistance of the wind in the opening period, and led at the break on a score of 4-09 to 0-02.

We had the opening goal from Colm Looney and another goal from Mikey O Connor as our initial two scores. We were dominating the midfield exchanges, with Brian Cotter prominent and Liam Fox excelling at centre back.

Mark Nagle scored a nice point, and then Noah Butler and Michael Cagney before Noah got our 3rd goal. Our opponent’s worked the ball up field well, and got a nice point, that Mark cancelled out with another good effort.

Mark then jinked his way in, close to goal to score a goal, with a good finish, and following up his scoring spree with another point. Michael Cagney showed what an addition he was to this U16 team with another good point after Sean Bartley has cleverly drawn his man into the corner to make space for Michael. Colm Looney was through on goal and sent the ball sportingly over the bar before Brian Cotter got in on the scoring act, with a point of his own.

Again Ballinacurra worked a ball up field, and their impressive half forward scored a nice point. Colm Looney got the final score of the opening half.

On the change of ends, Ballinacurra came much more into the game, and rattled off 3 points in quick succession. Shane Walsh was astute to the wind conditions, and invariably went short with his kick outs with Brian Cotter very good at making himself available to receive them. Colm Looney got out opening point of the half, and Noah Butler kicked a delightful long range point to extend our advantage. Mark Nagle then got our next point, showing what a delightful finisher he is.

Ballinacurra rattled off some nice points, but Cian O Connor and Colin Carey, with assistance from Mikey Looney and Conor Griffin ensured that our goal line was not breached and the finishing scores came when Noah Butler combined with Sean Palmer to coolly score another goal. Sean had the distinction of having the final point in our tally.

With a number of regular players absent due to it being the holiday season, it was nice to get a win tonight and a pity that Conor Griffin picked up a nasty shoulder injury.